How much repayment is advisable for how much net income?

Everyone can and must do as they see fit. We put our son in the daycare at the age of one. Until 4 p.m. It noticeably benefited him to get along with children of the same age.

However, it is not a must. Financially, we have always acted with caution in order to remain flexible. We did not want to have any obligation.

Regarding our situation: we have a rate (repayment/interest) of about 23% of our income. And I earn about 80% of the family income.

However, we bought and renovated an existing property. For a new building, we would be well above that. And we could not come to terms with that. For us personally, financial flexibility was clearly more important.

I did not want to start a debate about child-rearing now

I would still be more interested in the question asked at the beginning. So the ratio of the monthly payment to the bank to net income.

Presumably, I am overthinking it too much. But I am afraid of later realizing that the decision made for 30 years might have been wrong.

Yes, well... Who is supposed to take that uneasy feeling away from you?

Some banks use 40% of net income (excluding transfer payments like child benefits) as a guideline.

Some people think >30% is a lot, while others somehow manage 50%.

I personally find a maximum of 40% cold rent and 50% including incidental building costs acceptable.

You apparently know your current situation very well (household budget) and would therefore use your current cold rent + savings for the house as a guideline for the annuity. Maybe stay a bit below that.

If children are planned in the next 2-5 years, build in a buffer equal to the loss of income (due to parental allowance) and arrange the now possible extra payments through special repayment rights (and then stick to them).

Some banks use 40% of net income (excluding transfer payments such as child benefits) as a guideline.

Some people find >30% a lot, others somehow manage 50%.

I also keep seeing 30/40/50%. Is that about the pure payment to the bank? So without additional costs of the house, utilities, etc...?

I didn’t want to start a debate about child-rearing


I’m still more interested in the initial question. So the ratio of the monthly payment to the bank to the net income.


I’m probably overthinking it way too much. But I’m afraid later realizing that the decision you made for 30 years might have been wrong.

A flat ratio won’t help you much. But the info that instead of 75% of income, you might want to calculate with 50%.


And otherwise, I think you yourself know best what you need to live on. Car, insurance, clothes remain the same for now. Leisure time decreases, but you spend more on the children.
I’d guess that for food, clothes (used + sale, but plenty of stuff), diapers, purchases, hobbies, we end up at 200-300 euros monthly per child. Plus daycare fees and meal money. And loss of income, of course. Children don’t get cheaper, I’ve been told!